What is meant by a passage bird?

A passage bird refers to a raptor that has left its nest and is typically under one year of age. This term is often used in falconry to categorize young birds that have fledged and are beginning to learn how to hunt and survive on their own, but are not yet fully mature. These birds are at a crucial stage in their development and can be more impressionable and trainable for falconers compared to older, more established birds.

Understanding the life stages of raptors is essential for falconers, as it directly impacts training and hunting capabilities. A passage bird is usually more adaptable and may respond better to training techniques, making it a popular choice for falconers starting out. The other choices describe different stages or types of raptors but do not accurately capture the specific definition of a passage bird.